Shimla, August 23: State Tax and Excise Commissioner Dr. Yunus said here today that strict steps are being taken to stop and monitor the illegal liquor business. He said that strict action will be taken under the Himachal Pradesh Excise Act, 2011 and the rules made under it if the liquor traders in the state charge more than the fixed rates of profit.
He said that if the contractor is found guilty of overcharging, a provision has been made to fine him Rs 15,000 for the first violation, Rs 25,000 for the second violation, Rs 50,000 for the third violation and Rs 1 lakh for the fourth violation. He said that if a contractor is found guilty of overcharging more than four times, then the concerned Excise Officer will immediately recommend to the Zonal Collector for action against the contractor under Section 29 of the Himachal Pradesh Excise Act 2011. Under which the contractor’s license can be suspended or cancelled.
The Excise Commissioner said that the department is taking strict action on complaints of selling liquor at higher profit margins. The department has issued instructions to display information about MSP and profit margin at liquor shops under the Excise Policy. Under the Excise Policy, 10 percent profit margin has been fixed on Bottled in Origin (Single Malt, Whiskey, Rum, Gin, Vodka, Bio Beer/Bio Wine, Cider) and 30 percent profit margin has been fixed on all beer brands manufactured in India. 30 percent profit margin has been fixed on Desi liquor, 15 percent on low brand English liquor manufactured in the country and 30 percent on high brand liquor.
He said that the department has also issued telephone numbers for complaints related to sale of liquor at more than 10 to 30 percent profit margin than the minimum selling price. In this regard, complainants can contact on telephone numbers 01894230186 in Kangra Zone, 01905223499 in Mandi Zone and 01772620775 in Shimla Zone.
Dr. Yunus informed that the control room of the department remains functional 24 hours a day throughout the week and all citizens can share information on toll free number 18001808063, telephone number 0177-2620426 and Whatsapp number 94183-31426 and www.facebook.com/whatsapp_94183-31426 so that any kind of illegal activities can be stopped.
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